Device for heating a flow of liquid by electrical heating of a metallic conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for heating intravenous fluids often result in non-uniform heating, localized hotspots, and inefficiencies, posing risks to patients and being impractical for field or emergency use due to bulkiness and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A metallic conduit with integrated temperature sensing and a controller to generate electrical current within the conduit wall for gradual and controlled heating of IV fluids, ensuring uniform temperature regulation and compact, portable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heating wires or strips are embedded in the walls of the tubing to heat IV fluids, then the fluid can be warmed, but localized hotspots and overheating occur resulting in non-uniform temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple discrete heating zones along the length of the conduit. Each zone can be independently controlled to provide uniform heat distribution along the fluid path, preventing localized hotspots while maintaining overall heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the conduit wall are equipped with heating elements having different thermal conductivities or heating capacities. This allows tailored heating in different regions to compensate for varying heat loss rates and achieve uniform temperature distribution throughout the fluid.
2Reliability
If a bulk warmer is maintained at proper temperature for emergency use, then IV fluids can be heated, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is integrated directly into the IV fluid conduit itself, combining the fluid delivery pathway with the heating element. This eliminates the need for separate bulk warmers, reducing device weight and portability requirements while maintaining emergency readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit performs both fluid delivery and self-heating functions through integrated heating elements. The system heats the fluid on-demand as it flows through the conduit, eliminating the need for large pre-heated fluid reservoirs and bulky warming apparatus.
3Temperature
If heating wires are wound spirally around the inner layer of the tubing, then heating is provided, but the device complexity increases and fluid leakage may occur due to discontinuity
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit is constructed as a composite structure with heating elements embedded within a continuous outer layer material. This integration provides mechanical strength and fluid containment in the same structural component, eliminating the need for separate spiral windings and reducing the risk of fluid leakage while maintaining heating functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides safe, efficient, and uniform heating of IV fluids, preventing hypothermia and maintaining precise temperature control, even in emergency settings, with a compact and portable design that minimizes energy consumption and ensures patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a controller deployed for generating electrical current flowing within at least one length of the wall of the conduit, thereby generating heat within the wall so as to heat the flow of liquid
Implementation Method 2
an elongated conduit formed from metallic material... generating heat within the wall so as to heat the flow of liquid
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100) for heating a flow of liquid from an initial temperature to a desired temperature for intravenous delivery includes an elongated conduit (120) formed from metallic material having an inlet (102) for receiving the flow of liquid at the initial temperature and an outlet (104) for delivering the flow of liquid at the desired temperature. A temperature sensing arrangement (160. 162, 224) is deployed to generate an output indicating the temperature of the liquid at a number of locations along the conduit (120). A controller (140) generates electrical current flowing within at least one length of the wall of the conduit, thereby generating heat within the wall so as to heat the flow of liquid to reach the desired temperature at the outlet.